A dramatic headline for an unfolding drama that is largely not getting the press it should. We are well aware there are some many social and humanitarian needs around the world and even within our own nation that don’t get enough coverage in the media or the right attention they deserve to solve the problems.
Furthermore we want to point out that it’s not normally our disposition to be ‘green’ and be vocal about environmental issues however this is one that has grabbed our attention. Hopefully it will also get your attention especially if our blog has captured your imagination or dreams as we’ve shared our journey in experiencing the beauty and complexity of our land. This is particular with regard to the Kimberley.
The crisis that has unfolded is the construction of a gas refinery on the coast north of Broome, on the Dampier Peninsula. Specifically its location is at James Price Point and it will be the largest in Australia and second largest in the world! Before proceeding, we’d like to bring you back to how much we’ve loved visiting all the unique and beautiful places in the Kimberley. A large part of what makes it a draw card for us and most of the travellers that venture here is its not easily accessible (costly in some way – time, money or both), it’s a wilderness and relatively pristine in comparison to many other areas in the world let alone Australia and it possesses a natural beauty in its own right. Until now, there have been no major developments to tarnish this such as mining or large scale production. The Kimberley is a mix of cattle stations, national parks and reserves, and aboriginal land. The area is serviced by several large towns most of which rely on the tourism to the region. Broome is both a major tourist destination in its own right and gateway for many fly in or self drive tourists. Kununurra is the other major town at the east end of the Kimberley serving a similar role. Eco-tourism is a growing business important for local jobs, but also for national tourist revenue. From what we’ve seen tour operators are environmentally aware and seek to operate in a sustainable way to protect the way of things here.
On the other hand is the cultural and social make up of the Kimberley. The lifestyle is relaxed and so are the people! Life so far from big city ways leaves people more friendly, in less of a hurry and generally more ready to serve one another. Life is generally more simple, people are more trusting and easy going. Okay, we’re not saying it’s without problems. There are some deep seeded social issue particularly in many of the aboriginal communities, however this is not time to discuss that. Otherwise the traditional owners of the land and their culture is also recognised and respected. That is, unless you are a multi-national company focused on profits at any cost.
Setting the scene is important to emphasise the importance of this matter. There is bucket loads of information about the subject on line so we’ll let you look further if you need to know more and verify it all. Below are some links to websites with info, and details for the Minister for the Environment, Tony Burke if you can write a letter.
Some brief points;
- While it seems there hasn’t be been the necessary approvals in place, and its been challenged legally machinery stormed the Manari Road Blockade and proceeded to the site to begin land clearing.
- In the process of clearing land sacred sites were destroyed.
- Should the plant go ahead this beautiful coastline would be changed forever and no more fishing or free camping in the area.
- A huge concrete breakwater is planned extending kilometres out to sea in important whale breeding grounds and levelling rocks and cliffs that are site of fossilised dinosaur footprints, and cutting through coral reefs.
- Pollution and emissions are a direct threat to the environment and health of the local community posing a direct threat to Broome and Cable Beach and of course tourists to the area.
- Broadly there is not opposition to the mining of the gas reserves off the coast, however there are alternatives to processing the gas at James Price Point.
Please take some time to look into this further, or forward this Blog to your friends. If you even think you’d like to visit Broome or the Kimberley, or see the value protecting the region and the well being of those that live here for our kids and their kids please do something. You might be living at the other end of the country and think its so far away and doesn’t make much difference to you or your way of life however it’s nearer than you think!
The views expressed in the following websites are not necessarily those held by us.
www.savethekimberly.com
http://handsoffcountry.blogspot.com/
www.environskimberley.org.au
suggest.getup.org.au
http://www.abc.net.au/news/search/?query=gas+kimberley&x=0&y=0
http://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/broome-against-boom/story-fn59niix-1226108570248
Write to Tony Burke, Federal Minister for the Environment
The Hon. Tony Burke
Minster for the Environment
P.O. Box 6022
Parliament House
Canberra ACT 2600
Thanks for reading! Please give us your feedback.
